Zoo workers describe Lily as playful, inquisitive and a "spitfire" that is "definitely not shy."

"She competes with the bigger elephants for enrichment toys and treats. She doesn't just wait for her turn - she's right in there with the others being a true member of the herd," said Bob Lee, the zoo's elephant curator.

Lily has also been among the first of the elephants to explore the new areas of Elephant Lands, which has opened in phases at the Oregon Zoo and is scheduled to be completed within a few weeks.

Elephant Lands is quadruple the size of the previous Asian elephant habitat.